EMPLOYEE BENEFITS

403B RETIREMENT SAVINGS

The Hofstra University 403(b) Plan is a tax deferred annuity arrangement (IRS Code Section 403(b) annuity).

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The Plan allows for elective deferrals up to the maximum amounts permitted under the Code, and at a minimum annual contribution of $200, immediately upon hire. In addition, upon satisfying the eligibility requirements as outlined in the Summary Plan Description, the Plan allows for a one-time irrevocable election to make mandatory contributions while receiving University matching contributions. To find out more about these plans, please contact the Office of Human Resources, Benefits Department, at benefits@hofstra.edu.

403(b) System Enhancements FAQ

 The University has added system enhancements to the Tax-Deferred Annuity (TDA) Plan. (These changes apply only to the voluntary TDA, not the Hofstra Pension Plan (Mandatory Contributions). These updates will make it easier than ever to manage your retirement savings online. Please see below for additional information.

Now you will be able to:

  • Enroll or update your TDA contributions online at tiaa.org/hofstra or directly through the Hofstra Portal (my.hofstra.edu).
  • Set up automatic contribution increases to grow your savings over time.
  • Choose your contribution type – a percentage of your pay OR a flat dollar amount each pay period.
  • Contribute even more if you are between ages 60 to 63, under the new SECURE 2.0 “Super Catch-Up” provision.
  • Make one election to contribute the maximum allowable amount each year

  • Go to my.hofstra.edu 
  • Scroll to the “My HR” section (click “+” to expand the section, if needed.)
  • Click on the “Manage Your Retirement Plans” icon.
  • Once in TIAA.org, select “Accounts” from the top tool bar, then “Manage contributions”.

Yes! You can:

  • Choose how much and how often to increase your contributions.
  • Decide when to start or stop increases.
  • Manage everything online at my.hofstra.edu or tiaa.org/hofstra

Example:
If you currently contribute 5% to your TDA Plan. You can choose to automatically increase your contribution by 1% every January — or by a flat dollar amount. Once set up, these increases happen automatically, helping you grow your retirement savings over time without having to log in and make manual updates each year.

Yes! You can set your contributions to automatically adjust to the new IRS maximum each year.

Starting in 2026, if you are age 50+ and earned more than $150,000 from Hofstra in the prior calendar year, your catch-up contributions must be Roth (after-tax).

  • Your prior year’s W-2 determines eligibility.
  • Your contribution elections will automatically be switched to Roth—no action is needed from you.

If you’re age 60 to 63, you can make extra contributions to your TDA—up to $11,250.  (Please note that if you earned more than $150K in the prior year, these contributions will also automatically be made as Roth/after tax).

  • Who’s eligible? Employees who turn 60, 61, 62, or 63 by December 31 of the plan year.
  • Turning 60 midyear? You can contribute the full Super Catch-Up amount for that year.
  • Turning 64? You’re no longer eligible for the Super Catch-Up, but you can still make the standard age 50+ catch-up contribution.

No action is needed if you want to keep your current TDA contributions as is.

Contact the Benefits Team at benefits@hofstra.edu or call 516-463-6526 with any additional questions.

Access your account:

Make an appointment for investment advice:

Roth 403(b)

You have the option to make Roth 403(b) contributions into your Tax-Deferred Annuity (TDA) Plan with TIAA. This will allow you to make contributions on an after-tax basis, providing flexibility in how you plan for your financial future. You can elect to make Roth 403(b) contributions at any time.  Starting in 2026, if you are age 50+ and earned more than $150,000 from Hofstra in the prior calendar year, your catch-up contributions must be Roth (after-tax). Your contribution elections will automatically be switched to Roth—no action is needed from you.  Your prior year’s W-2 determines eligibility.

Additional information regarding Roth 403(b):

Q&A: Understanding Roth 403(b) Contributions*

Roth 403(b) contributions are retirement savings plan contributions into your account under the Hofstra University Pension Plan. They are deducted from your paycheck on an after-tax basis. This means that you pay income and employment taxes on the money you contribute now, but your withdrawals in retirement (including earnings) will be tax-free**, if you meet certain qualifying conditions (e.g., you are at least age 59½ and five years have passed since the year of your first Roth contribution to the Hofstra University Pension Plan.)

Yes, you can contribute both Roth 403(b) contributions and pre-tax 403(b) contributions into your Tax-Deferred Annuity plan.

No. Roth 403(b) contributions are permitted only for elective deferrals. Mandatory and matching contributions will continue to be made on a pre-tax basis.

Yes, the annual limit on elective deferrals (for 2026, $24,500 plus an additional $8,000 if you are age 50 or older) applies for pre-tax and Roth 403(b) contributions combined. It’ s up to you to decide whether to make pre-tax 403(b) contributions, Roth 403(b) contributions, or a combination or both.

Additional information about Roth 403(b) contributions is available on the TIAA website and this TIAA Information Sheet. Contact the Office of Human Resources Benefits Team at benefits@hofstra.edu or 516-463-6526 with any additional questions.

* The above information provided is for general informational purposes only. Other special rules will apply and this should not be considered as legal, financial, or tax advice. You should consult with a qualified legal, tax, or financial professional for advice tailored to your individual circumstances.

**The tax treatment described here is for federal income tax purposes. Some states have different rules. You should consult with your tax advisor.

Read more about these benefits in the Summary Plan Description section.

For individual advisement with a TIAA representative on campus or virtually, please schedule your appointment online at: www.tiaa.org/schedulenow.